Cephalexin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects- An Insight

What Is Cephalexin?

Cephalexin is an antibiotic that has been approved by the United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Cephalexin is considered a first-generation cephalosporin. This drug is commonly used in outpatient and inpatient healthcare settings owing to the good safety and efficacy profiles of the drug. Cephalexin can be employed in the therapy of urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, otitis media, bone infections from S. aureus or Proteus mirabilis, and skin infections from S. aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.

What Is Cephalexin Used For?

Cephalexin is a drug that treats certain bacterial infections. It is in a drug category called cephalosporins. It works by either killing the bacteria or stopping the growth of the bacteria. Doctors often prescribe Cephalexin to treat the following infections:

• Skin and soft tissue infections.

• Throat infections, including streptococcal pharyngitis.

• Ear infections.

• Urinary tract infections.

• Bone infections.

• Respiratory tract infections.

• It is important to note that Cephalexin is ineffective in treating viral infections such as the common cold and flu.

When Should You Take Cephalexin?

You should take Cephalexin only when a prescription has been made by a doctor to treat a confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection.

It is normally taken:

• According to the prescription of your doctor, which is normally every six to 12 hours

• With or without food (it can be taken with food to minimize stomach upsets)

• For the full prescription period, even if you are feeling better.

• You should not stop the medication before the full prescription period is over, since the bacteria can remain and cause the infection to recur.

How Does Cephalexin Work? (Mechanism of Action)

Cephalexin is a beta-lactam antibiotic, and it falls in the first group of the cephalosporin series of antibiotics. The chemical structure of Cephalexin has a beta-lactam ring, which plays an important role in its mechanism of action. The cell wall of bacteria has a chemical called peptidoglycan, which gives strength and protection to the cell. Cephalexin and other beta-lactam antibiotics inhibit the synthesis of peptidoglycan, which is essential for the construction of the bacterial cell wall. Cephalexin attaches to penicillin-binding proteins present inside the bacterial cell. This inhibits the final step of peptidoglycan synthesis, called the transpeptidation reaction. Without this final step, the bacterial cell wall cannot be constructed, and the cell eventually dies by a process called autolysis.

Bacteria can also become resistant to Cephalexin in various ways. Bacteria can produce enzymes called beta-lactamases, which inactivate Cephalexin. Bacteria can also alter their penicillin-binding proteins, making it difficult for Cephalexin to bind to its target. Bacteria can also develop mechanisms to remove Cephalexin from their cells, making it less effective.

Dosage and Administration

Available Dosage Forms

Cephalexin is available in various dosage forms to cater to different age groups and needs. It is commonly available in capsule and tablet forms, including 250 milligrams and 500 milligrams.

For children and patients who cannot swallow solid dosage forms, it is available in an oral suspension dosage form, which is in liquid form. The liquid dosage form is in a dry powder that needs to be mixed with water before use.

The dosage strength of cephalexin that a patient needs depends on the age, weight, and type of infection of the patient.

Adult Dosage

• The dose is usually 250 milligrams to 500 milligrams every six hours or 500 milligrams every 12 hours.

• Severe infections may require increased doses of the medication, up to four grams per day in divided doses.

Children Dosage

• The dose is usually 25 to 50 milligrams per kilogram per day in multiple doses.

• Doses may be increased for severe infections to 100 milligrams per kilogram per day in multiple doses.

Missed Dose

If a dose of Cephalexin is skipped, it should be taken as soon as the individual remembers. However, if the next dose of Cephalexin is soon due, the skipped dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Two doses of Cephalexin should not be taken at the same time to compensate for the skipped dose. This helps in maintaining a regular dosing schedule to ensure the medicine works properly against the infection.

Overdose

Taking Cephalexin in quantities larger than prescribed may increase the risk of unwanted effects. Some of the unwanted effects of excessive Cephalexin intake may include nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, blood in the urine, and, in critical situations, nervous system problems such as agitation and convulsions may occur in people with kidney problems. In case of suspected overdose of Cephalexin, medical attention should be sought.

What Are the Side Effects of Cephalexin?

Common Side Effects

• Nausea.

• Diarrhea.

• Vomiting.

• Heartburn.

• Stomach pain.

• Rectal itching.

• Genital itching.

• Dizziness.

• Extreme tiredness.

• Confusion.

• Headache.

• Muscle pain.

Serious Adverse Reactions

• Rash.

• Itching.

• Hives.

• Swelling of the face, neck, tongue, eyes, and lips.

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing.

• Wheezing.

• Signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, and chills.

• Watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, or fever during treatment and for two or more months.

Warnings and Precautions

Who Should Not Take Cephalexin?

You should not take Cephalexin if you have had an allergy to Cephalexin or other cephalosporin antibiotics or if you have any known allergy to the components of the medicine. You should inform your doctor if you have any allergies to other antibiotics before using this drug.

What Should You Know Before Taking Cephalexin?

• You should also inform your care team about any unusual or allergic reactions to Cephalexin, other Penicillin or Cephalosporin antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

• You should inform your care team if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and if you are breastfeeding.

• The medication should be taken exactly as directed on the label. Take Cephalexin by mouth and at the same time each day.

• You should take Cephalexin with or without food. Take the entire amount unless your care team tells you to stop taking the medication early.

• If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, or if you have severe diarrhea, you should let your healthcare provider know.

What Interactions Can Occur With Cephalexin?

Drug Interactions

• When Cephalexin and Warfarin are taken together, the risk of bleeding may increase.

• When Probenecid and Cephalexin are taken together, the level of Cephalexin in the body can increase, thereby increasing side effects.

• When Cephalexin and Metformin are taken together, the level of Metformin can increase, thereby increasing side effects.

• Some oral contraceptive pills may not work properly when taken with Cephalexin.

• When Cephalexin and certain loop diuretics are taken, the risk of kidney problems can increase.

Other Interactions:

• Certain mineral supplements, such as iron and zinc, can affect the absorption of Cephalexin.

• When these supplements are taken with Cephalexin, the level of the antibiotic that can enter the bloodstream can decrease.

• It is recommended that these supplements be taken at least one hour after the intake of Cephalexin to ensure the proper functioning of the antibiotic.

Food Interaction

• Cephalexin may be taken with or without food.

• When taken with food, mild stomach upset, nausea, or discomfort may be reduced.

• Food does not affect how well Cephalexin works.

• It is important to take Cephalexin exactly as directed and at evenly spaced times for maximum effect.

Cephalexin Use During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Is Cephalexin Safe During Pregnancy?

• People have used Cephalexin during pregnancy many times without any harm to the baby, and animal studies have not shown any risk.

• Doctors usually only recommend using it if you really need to, and after talking to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits.

• Therefore, it is not illegal, but you should only take it if your doctor believes the advantages outweigh the risks.

Can You Take Cephalexin While Breastfeeding?

• Cephalexin does get into human milk, so be careful when breastfeeding.

• Some babies who are breastfed and get Cephalexin through milk have had thrush or diarrhea, but this is not common.

• Many experts say that this type of antibiotic is safe to take while breastfeeding as long as the benefits to the mother outweigh any possible effects on the baby.

• So, you can usually take it while breastfeeding, but you should talk to your doctor first and keep an eye on the baby for any strange signs.

How Should You Store Cephalexin?

• Keep at room temperature, which is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

• After the expiration date, throw away any medicine you do not use.

• Keep it away from moisture, heat, and direct light, and do not keep it in the bathroom.

Conclusion

Cephalexin is an antibiotic that belongs to the cephalosporin family. It works by killing bacteria in your body. Cephalexin is a medicine that treats infections caused by bacteria. These include skin infections, urinary tract infections, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and bone infections. To accommodate various patient demands, it is available in a variety of forms, including oral suspension, tablets, and capsules. For more useful information, you can consult a medical specialist.

Key Takeaways

• Cephalexin is a type of cephalosporin that stops bacteria from growing and is mostly used to treat bacterial infections.

• It works against many types of infections, such as those that affect the skin, respiratory system, and urinary system.

• Cephalexin works by stopping the bacteria from making their cell walls.

• Some common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, tiredness, and headaches.

• You can take Cephalexin with or without food.

• Regular follow-ups must be made with your doctor to adjust the dosage if necessary.